Now Russian spies are being recruited to join MI6 – here’s how

MI6 has launched a new recruitment drive for spies – using the dark web.

The UK’s intelligence agency has set up a new secure messaging platform which will make it easier for spies to submit information and for MI6 to recruit.

The Foreign Office says the UK aims to recruit more foreign agents, based in Russia and around the world.

Potential spies can submit information through the new Silent Courier secure messaging platform, which was launched on Friday.

It will use the anonymity of the dark web to allow anyone in the world to contact MI6 securely.

MI6 has even posted a handy instruction video on how to use the portal on their YouTube channel.

They also helpfully suggest that potential spies access the Silent Courier platform through a VPN on devices which aren’t linked to themselves.

Sir Richard Moore, outgoing chief of MI6, will announce the new platform in a speech later this morning.

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He’s expected to say: ‘Today we’re asking those with sensitive information on global instability, international terrorism or hostile state intelligence activity to contact MI6 securely online.

‘Our virtual door is open to you.’

It’s not long since the US tried a similar approach, with the CIA sharing videos on social media trying to target potential Russian spies in 2023.

Foreign secretary Yvette Cooper said: ‘National security is the first duty of any government and the bedrock of the prime minister’s plan for change.

‘As the world changes, and the threats we’re facing multiply, we must ensure the UK is always one step ahead of our adversaries.

‘Our world-class intelligence agencies are at the coalface of this challenge, working behind the scenes to keep British people safe.

‘Now we’re bolstering their efforts with cutting-edge tech so MI6 can recruit new spies for the UK – in Russia and around the world.’

MI6 was set up in the early 1900s but wasn’t officially acknowledged by the UK government until the 1990s.

It has operated from the SIS Building on the bank of the River Thames in Vauxhall, central London, since 1994.

The agency’s head – only known as ‘C’ – is the only publicly named member.

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